The Philippines' foreign ministry has summoned China's ambassador after Beijing imposed sanctions on a former Filipino senator who has been critical of China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines' foreign ministry has summoned China's ambassador to Manila over Beijing's imposition of sanctions against former senator Francis Tolentino, the president's office said on Tuesday.

China's ambassador to Manila was summoned after Beijing imposed sanctions on a former Filipino senator who has been critical of China's aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea, Philippine officials said Tuesday.